Spring 2017 - CMNS 240 D100
The Political Economy of Communication (3)
Class Number: 3627
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Dal Yong Jin
djin@sfu.ca
778-782-5116
Office: HC-3555
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Prerequisites:
CMNS 110 and 130.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examination of the political and economic processes that have generated the policies and structures of mass media, telecommunications and related industries; the relationship between the dichotomies of state and market, citizen and consumer, capitalism and democracy, global and local, and sovereignty and globalization in media industries and policies; overview of influences on State and international policies towards the media.
COURSE DETAILS:
Overview:
This course provides an introduction to the political economy of communication as a framework for the study of media and communication. The first half of the course explores the nature of modern society, the rise of capitalism and the roles of media in such contexts. Readings explore theories of modernity and capitalism, foundational thinkers in political economic theory, and the use of political economy as a framework of analysis in the study of communication and media.
The second half of the course uses the political economic framework to critique contemporary communication and media practices and structures. Readings deal with contemporary change in communication systems and the manner in which such changes are present in social relations. The course thus highlights the ongoing tension that exists between structure and agency; institutions such as the state, capital and civil society; and social justice concepts of gender, race, ecology and class. Through the readings, lectures and discussions, these concepts will be contextualized within the local, national and transnational experiences of everyday life in the contemporary market-based society.
Grading
- Lecture Attendance 5%
- Tutorial Attendance/Participation 10%
- Mid-Term Exam (on 7 March) 30%
- Research Paper (Due 7 April) 25%
- Take-Home Final Exam (Due 10 April) 30%
NOTES:
The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline. [Note: as of May 1, 2009 the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02) and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies.]
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Winseck, Dwayne and Dal Yong Jin, The Political Economies of Media: The Transformation of the Global Media Industries. London: Bloomsbury, 2012. [Paperback]
ISBN: 9781849668934
Additional materials will be placed on reserve (or provided by the instructor) throughout the semester.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS